Method for improving engine fuel efficiency

ABSTRACT

A method for improving fuel efficiency, while maintaining or improving high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control, in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one alkoxylated alcohol as a minor component. Fuel efficiency is improved and high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control are maintained or improved as compared to high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol. A lubricating engine oil having a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one alkoxylated alcohol as a minor component. The lubricating engine oils are useful in internal combustion engines including direct injection, gasoline and diesel engines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/748,776 filed Jan. 4, 2013, herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to improving fuel efficiency, while maintainingor improving high temperature performance (e.g., high temperature wear,deposit and varnish control), in an engine lubricated with a lubricatingoil by including an alkoxylated alcohol component, in the lubricatingoil.

BACKGROUND

Fuel efficiency requirements for passenger vehicles are becomingincreasingly more stringent. New legislation in the United States andEuropean Union within the past few years has set fuel economy andemissions targets not readily achievable with today's vehicle andlubricant technology.

To address these increasing standards, automotive original equipmentmanufacturers are demanding better fuel economy as a lubricant-relatedperformance characteristic, while maintaining deposit control andoxidative stability requirements. One well known way to increase fueleconomy is to decrease the viscosity of the lubricating oil. However,this approach is now reaching the limits of current equipmentcapabilities and specifications. At a given viscosity, it is well knownthat adding organic or organo-metallic friction modifiers reduces thesurface friction of the lubricating oil and allows for better fueleconomy. However these additives often bring with them detrimentaleffects such as increased deposit formation, seals impacts, or theyout-compete the anti-wear components for limited surface sites, therebynot allowing the formation of an anti-wear film, causing increased wear.

Contemporary lubricants such as engine oils use mixtures of additivessuch as dispersants, detergents, inhibitors, viscosity index improversand the like to provide engine cleanliness and durability under a widerange of performance conditions of temperature, pressure, and lubricantservice life.

Lubricant-related performance characteristics such as high temperaturedeposit control, high temperature varnish control, and fuel economy areextremely advantageous attributes as measured by a variety of bench andengine tests. As indicated above, it is known that adding organicfriction modifiers to a lubricant formulation imparts frictionalbenefits at low temperatures, consequently improving the lubricant fueleconomy performance. At high temperatures, however, adding increasedlevels of organic friction modifier can invite high temperatureperformance issues. For example, excessive wear, deposits, and varnishare undesirable consequences of high levels of friction modifier in anengine oil formulation at high temperature engine operation.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0101497 discloses the useof an alkoxylated alcohol, both as an independent additive or inconjunction with one or more other additives, as a friction modifierthat resists deterioration and achieves improved friction and frictiondurability. Power transmission fluids are disclosed that provideimproved or lower static friction while maintaining dynamic friction,thus controlling (or decreasing) friction in a stable manner. The powertransmission fluids comprise a major amount of a base oil and a minoramount of at least one alkoxylated alcohol.

A major challenge in engine oil formulation is simultaneously achievinghigh temperature wear, deposit, and varnish control while also achievingimproved fuel economy.

Despite the advances in lubricant oil formulation technology, thereexists a need for an engine oil lubricant that effectively improves fueleconomy while maintaining or improving antiwear performance (e.g., hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control).

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates in part to a method for improving fuelefficiency, while maintaining or improving wear protection (e.g., hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control), in an engine lubricatedwith a lubricating oil by including at least one alkoxylated alcohol inthe lubricating oil. The lubricating oils of this disclosure are usefulin internal combustion engines including direct injection, gasoline anddiesel engines.

This disclosure also relates in part to a method for improving fuelefficiency, while maintaining or improving high temperature wear,deposit and varnish control, in an engine lubricated with a lubricatingoil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oilhas a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a majorcomponent; and at least one alkoxylated alcohol, as a minor component.Fuel efficiency is improved and high temperature wear, deposit andvarnish control are maintained or improved as compared to hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control achieved using alubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the atleast one alkoxylated alcohol.

This disclosure further relates in part to a lubricating engine oilhaving a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a majorcomponent; and at least one alkoxylated alcohol, as a minor component.Fuel efficiency is improved and high temperature wear, deposit andvarnish control are surprisingly maintained or improved as compared tohigh temperature wear, deposit and varnish control achieved using alubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the atleast one alkoxylated alcohol.

It has been surprisingly found that, in accordance with this disclosure,improvements in fuel economy are obtained without sacrificing enginedurability (e.g., while maintaining or improving high temperature wear,deposit and varnish control) in an engine lubricated with a lubricatingoil, by including at least one alkoxylated alcohol in the lubricatingoil.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of formulations used in the Examples.

FIG. 2 shows the results of bench and engine testing of the formulationsused in the Examples.

FIG. 3 shows MTM Stribeck curves from the Reference 1 formulation andthe Example 3 formulation finished oil performance in MTM Stribeck testat 50° C. (log and mean speed).

FIG. 4 shows MTM Stribeck curves from the Reference 1 formulation andthe Example 3 formulation finished oil performance in MTM Stribeck testat 100° C. (log and mean speed).

FIG. 5 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Reference 3 formulation andthe Example 6 formulation. FIG. 5 also shows the results of bench andengine testing of the Reference 3 formulation and the Example 6formulation.

FIG. 6 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Reference 1, 4 and 5formulations and the Example 7 and 8 formulations. FIG. 6 also shows theresults of bench and engine testing of the Reference 1, 4 and 5formulations and the Example 7 and 8 formulations.

FIG. 7 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Example 9 and 10 formulations.FIG. 7 also shows the results of bench testing of the Example 9 and 10formulations.

FIG. 8 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Example 11-22 formulations.

FIG. 9 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Example 23-34 formulations.

FIG. 10 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Example 35-46 formulations.

FIG. 11 shows formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation, of the Example 47-58 formulations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All numerical values within the detailed description and the claimsherein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value,and take into account experimental error and variations that would beexpected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

It has now been found that improved fuel efficiency can be attained,while wear protection is unexpectedly maintained or improved (e.g., hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control), in an engine lubricatedwith a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oilthat has one or more alkoxylated alcohols. The formulated oil preferablycomprises a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a metaldialkyl dithio phosphate, at least one alkoxylated alcohol, and aviscosity index improver, as minor components. The lubricating oils ofthis disclosure are particularly advantageous as passenger vehicleengine oil (PVEO) products.

The lubricating oils of this disclosure provide excellent engineprotection including friction reduction and anti-wear performance. Thisbenefit has been demonstrated for the lubricating oils of thisdisclosure in the Sequence IIIG/IIIGA (ASTM D7320) and Sequence VID(ASTM D7589) engine tests. The lubricating oils of this disclosureprovide improved fuel efficiency. A lower HTHS viscosity engine oilgenerally provides superior fuel economy to a higher HTHS viscosityproduct. This benefit has been demonstrated for the lubricating oils ofthis disclosure in the Sequence VID Fuel Economy (ASTM D7589) enginetest.

The lubricating engine oils of this disclosure have a compositionsufficient to pass wear protection requirements of one or more enginetests selected from Sequence IIIG, Sequence VID, and others.

In comparison with fuel efficiency achieved using a lubricating engineoil containing a minor component other than the at least one alkoxylatedalcohol, the lubricating engine oils containing at least one alkoxylatedalcohol of this disclosure can exhibit a fuel efficiency preferablygreater than 1.2×, and more preferably greater than 1.3×, as determinedby the Sequence VID Fuel Economy (ASTM D7589) engine test. In anembodiment, in comparison with fuel efficiency achieved using alubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the atleast one alkoxylated alcohol, the lubricating engine oils containing atleast one alkoxylated alcohol of this disclosure can exhibit a fuelefficiency greater than 1.4×, preferably greater than 1.5×, and morepreferably greater than 1.6×, as determined by the Sequence VID FuelEconomy (ASTM D7589) engine test.

In comparison with high temperature wear, deposit and varnish controlachieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor componentother than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol, the lubricating engineoils containing at least one alkoxylated alcohol of this disclosure canexhibit high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control preferablygreater than 1.1×, and more preferably greater than 1.2×, as determinedby the Sequence IIIG/IIIGA (ASTM D7320) engine test. In an embodiment,in comparison with high temperature wear, deposit and varnish controlachieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor componentother than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol, the lubricating engineoils containing at least one alkoxylated alcohol of this disclosure canexhibit a high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control preferablygreater than 1.2×, and more preferably greater than 1.3×, as determinedby the Sequence IIIG/IIIGA (ASTM D7320) engine test.

In an embodiment, in comparison with high temperature wear, deposit andvarnish control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing aminor component other than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol, thelubricating engine oils containing at least one alkoxylated alcohol ofthis disclosure can exhibit, at the same time, both a fuel efficiencygreater than 1.4×, preferably greater than 1.5×, and more preferablygreater than 1.6×, as determined by the Sequence VID Fuel Economy (ASTMD7589) engine test, and high temperature wear, deposit and varnishcontrol preferably greater than 1.2×, and more (preferably greater than1.3×, as determined by the Sequence IIIG/IIIGA (ASTM D7320) engine test.

Lubricating Oil Base Stocks

A wide range of lubricating base oils is known in the art. Lubricatingbase oils that are useful in the present disclosure are both naturaloils, and synthetic oils, and unconventional oils (or mixtures thereof)can be used unrefined, refined, or rerefined (the latter is also knownas reclaimed or reprocessed oil). Unrefined oils are those obtaineddirectly from a natural or synthetic source and used without addedpurification. These include shale oil obtained directly from retortingoperations, petroleum oil obtained directly from primary distillation,and ester oil obtained directly from an esterification process. Refinedoils are similar to the oils discussed for unrefined oils except refinedoils are subjected to one or more purification steps to improve at leastone lubricating oil property. One skilled in the art is familiar withmany purification processes. These processes include solvent extraction,secondary distillation, acid extraction, base extraction, filtration,and percolation. Rerefined oils are obtained by processes analogous torefined oils but using an oil that has been previously used as a feedstock.

Groups I, II, III, IV and V are broad base oil stock categoriesdeveloped and defined by the American Petroleum Institute (APIPublication 1509: wvvw.API.org) to create guidelines for lubricant baseoils. Group I base stocks have a viscosity index of between 80 to 120and contain greater than 0.03% sulfur and/or less than 90% saturates.Group II base stocks have a viscosity index of between 80 to 120, andcontain less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and greater than or equal to90% saturates. Group III stocks have a viscosity index greater than 120and contain less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and greater than 90%saturates. Group TV includes polyalphaolefins (PAO). Group V base stockincludes base stocks not included in Groups I-IV. The table belowsummarizes properties of each of these five groups.

Base Oil Properties Saturates Sulfur Viscosity Index Group I <90and/or >0.03% and ≧80 and <120 Group II ≧90 and ≦0.03% and ≧80 and <120Group III ≧90 and ≦0.03% and ≧120 Group IV Includes polyalphaolefins(PAO) and GTL products Group V All other base oil stocks not included inGroups I, II, III or IV

Natural oils include animal oils, vegetable oils (castor oil and lardoil, for example), and mineral oils. Animal and vegetable oilspossessing favorable thermal oxidative stability can be used. Of thenatural oils, mineral oils are preferred. Mineral oils vary widely as totheir crude source, for example, as to whether they are paraffinic,naphthenic, or mixed paraffinic-naphthenic. Oils derived from coal orshale are also useful. Natural oils vary also as to the method used fortheir production and purification, for example, their distillation rangeand whether they are straight run or cracked, hydrorefined, or solventextracted.

Group II and/or Group III hydroprocessed or hydrocracked basestocks,including synthetic oils such as polyalphaolefins, alkyl aromatics andsynthetic esters are also well known basestock oils.

Synthetic oils include hydrocarbon oil. Hydrocarbon oils include oilssuch as polymerized and interpolymerized olefins (polybutylenes,polypropylenes, propylene isobutylene copolymers, ethylene-olefincopolymers, and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers, for example).Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil base stocks are commonly used synthetichydrocarbon oil. By way of example, PAOs derived from C₈, C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄olefins or mixtures thereof may be utilized, See U.S. Pat. Nos.4,956,122; 4,827,064; and 4,827,073.

The number average molecular weights of the PAOs, which are knownmaterials and generally available on a major commercial scale fromsuppliers such as ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany, BP, and others, typically vary from 250 to 3,000, althoughPAO's may be made in viscosities up to 100 cSt (100° C.). The PAOs aretypically comprised of relatively low molecular weight hydrogenatedpolymers or oligomers of alphaolefins which include, but are not limitedto, C₂ to C₃₂ alphaolefins with the C₈ to C₁₆ alphaolefins, such as1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene and the like, being preferred. Thepreferred polyalphaolefins are poly-1-octene, poly-1-decene andpoly-1-dodecene and mixtures thereof and mixed olefin-derivedpolyolefins. However, the dimers of higher olefins in the range of C₁₄to C₁₈ may be used to provide low viscosity base stocks of acceptablylow volatility. Depending on the viscosity grade and the startingoligomer, the PAOs may be predominantly turners and tetramers of thestarting olefins, with minor amounts of the higher oligomers, having aviscosity range of 1.5 to 12 cSt. PAO fluids of particular use mayinclude 3.0 cSt, 3.4 cSt, and/or 3.6 cSt and combinations thereof.Bi-modal mixtures of PAO fluids having a viscosity range of 1.5 to 100cSt may be used if desired.

The PAO fluids may be conveniently made by the polymerization of analphaolefin in the presence of a polymerization catalyst such as theFriedel-Crafts catalysts including, for example, aluminum trichloride,boron trifluoride or complexes of boron trifluoride with water, alcoholssuch as ethanol, propanol or butanol, carboxylic acids or esters such asethyl acetate or ethyl propionate. For example the methods disclosed byU.S. Pat. No. 4,149,178 or 3,382,291 may be conveniently used herein.Other descriptions of PAO synthesis are found in the following U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,742,082; 3,769,363; 3,876,720; 4,239,930; 4,367,352; 4,413,156;4,434,408; 4,910,355; 4,956,122; and 5,068,487. The dimers of the C₁₄ toC₁₈ olefins are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,330.

Other useful lubricant oil base stocks include wax isomerate base stocksand base oils, comprising hydroisomerized waxy stocks (e.g. waxy stockssuch as gas oils, slack waxes, fuels hydrocracker bottoms, etc.),hydroisomerized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stocksand base oils, and other wax isomerate hydroisomerized base stocks andbase oils, or mixtures thereof Fischer-Tropsch waxes, the high boilingpoint residues of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, are highly paraffinichydrocarbons with very low sulfur content. The hydroprocessing used forthe production of such base stocks may use an amorphoushydrocracking/thydroisomerization catalyst, such as one of thespecialized lube hydrocracking (LHDC) catalysts or a crystallinehydrocracking/thydroisomerization catalyst, preferably a zeoliticcatalyst. For example, one useful catalyst is ZSM-48 as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,075,269, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. Processes for makinghydrocracked/hydroisomerized distillates and hydrocracked/hydroisomerized waxes are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,817,693; 4,975,177; 4,921,594 and to 4,897,178 as well as inBritish Patent Nos. 1,429,494; 1,350,257; 1,440,230 and 1,390,359. Eachof the aforementioned patents is incorporated herein in their entirety.Particularly favorable processes are described in European PatentApplication Nos. 464546 and 464547, also incorporated herein byreference. Processes using Fischer-Tropsch wax feeds are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,594,172 and 4,943,672, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils,and other wax-derived hydroisomerized (wax isomerate) base oils beadvantageously used in the instant disclosure, and may have usefulkinematic viscosities at 100° C. of 3 cSt to 50 cSt, preferably 3 cSt to30 cSt, more preferably 3.5 cSt to 25 cSt, as exemplified by GTL 4 withkinematic viscosity of 4.0 cSt at 100° C. and a viscosity index of 141.These Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived baseoils, and other wax derived hydroisomerized base oils may have usefulpour points of −20° C. or lower, and under some conditions may haveadvantageous pour points of −25° C. or lower, with useful pour points of−30° C. to −40° C. or lower. Useful compositions of Gas-to-Liquids (GTL)base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and wax-derivedhydroisomerized base oils are recited in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,080,301;6,090,989, and 6,165,949 for example, and are incorporated herein intheir entirety by reference.

The hydrocarbyl aromatics can be used as base oil or base oil componentand can be any hydrocarbyl molecule that contains at least 5% of itsweight derived from an aromatic moiety such as a benzenoid moiety ornaphthenoid moiety, or their derivatives. These hydrocarbyl aromaticsinclude alkyl benzenes, alkyl naphthalenes, alkyl diphenyl oxides, alkylnaphthols, alkyl diphenyl sulfides, alkylated bis-phenol A, alkylatedthiodiphenol, and the like. The aromatic can be mono-alkylated,dialkylated, polyalkylated, and the like. The aromatic can be mono- orpoly-functionalized. The hydrocarbyl groups can also be comprised ofmixtures of alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl, cycloalkyl groups,cycloalkenyl groups and other related hydrocarbyl groups. Thehydrocarbyl groups can range from C₆ up to C₆₀ with a range of C₈ to C₂₀often being preferred. A mixture of hydrocarbyl groups is oftenpreferred, and up to three such substituents may be present. Thehydrocarbyl group can optionally contain sulfur, oxygen, and/or nitrogencontaining substituents. The aromatic group can also be derived fromnatural (petroleum) sources, provided at least 5% of the molecule iscomprised of an above-type aromatic moiety. Viscosities at 100° C. ofapproximately 3 cSt to 50 cSt are preferred, with viscosities ofapproximately 3.4 cSt to 20 cSt often being more preferred for thehydrocarbyl aromatic component. In one embodiment, an alkyl naphthalenewhere the alkyl group is primarily comprised of 1-hexadecene is used.Other alkylates of aromatics can be advantageously used. Naphthalene ormethyl naphthalene, for example, can be alkylated with olefins such asoctene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene or higher, mixtures of similarolefins, and the like. Useful concentrations of hydrocarbyl aromatic ina lubricant oil composition can be 2% to 25%, preferably 4% to 20%, andmore preferably 4% to 15%, depending on the application.

Alkylated aromatics such as the hydrocarbyl aromatics of the presentdisclosure may be produced by well-known Friedel-Crafts alkylation ofaromatic compounds. See Friedel-Crafts and Related Reactions, Olah, G.A. (ed.), Inter-science Publishers, New York, 1963. For example, anaromatic compound, such as benzene or naphthalene, is alkylated by anolefin, alkyl halide or alcohol in the presence of a Friedel-Craftscatalyst. See Friedel-Crafts and Related Reactions, Vol. 2, part 1,chapters 14, 17, and 118, See Olah, G. A. (ed.), inter-sciencePublishers, New York, 1964. Many homogeneous or heterogeneous, solidcatalysts are known to one skilled in the art. The choice of catalystdepends on the reactivity of the starting materials and product qualityrequirements. For example, strong acids such as AlCl₃, BF₃, or HF may beused. In some cases, milder catalysts such as FeCl₃ or SnCl₄ arepreferred. Newer alkylation technology uses zeolites or solid superacids.

Esters comprise a useful base stock. Additive solvency and sealcompatibility characteristics may be secured by the use of esters suchas the esters of dibasic acids with monoalkanols and the polyol estersof monocarboxylic acids. Esters of the former type include, for example,the esters of dicarboxylic acids such as phthatic acid, succinic acid,alkyl succinic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, maleic acid, azelaic acid,suberic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, linoleic aciddimer, malonic acid, alkyl malonic acid, alkenyl malonic acid, etc.,with a variety of alcohols such as butyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, dodecylalcohol, 2-ethythexyl alcohol, etc. Specific examples of these types ofesters include dibutyl adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, di-n-hexylfumarate, dioctyl sebacate, to dilsooctyl azelate, diisodecyl azelate,dioctyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, dieicosyl sebacate, etc.

Particularly useful synthetic esters are those which are obtained byreacting one or more polyhydric alcohols, preferably the hinderedpolyols (such as the neopentyl polyols, e.g., neopentyl glycol,trimethylol ethane, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, is trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol) with alkanoic acidscontaining at least 4 carbon atoms, preferably C₅ to C₃₀ acids such assaturated straight chain fatty acids including caprytic acid, capricacid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachicacid, and behenic acid, or the corresponding branched chain fatty acidsor unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, or mixtures of any ofthese materials.

Suitable synthetic ester components include the esters of trimethylolpropane, trimethylol butane, trimethylol ethane, pentaerythritol and/ordipentaerythritol with one or more monocarboxylic acids containing from5 to 10 carbon atoms. These esters are widely available commercially,for example, the Mobil P-41 and P-51 esters of ExxonMobil ChemicalCompany.

Also useful are esters derived from renewable material such as coconut,palm, rapeseed, soy, sunflower and the like. These esters may bemonoesters, di-esters, polyol esters, complex esters, or mixturesthereof. These esters are widely available commercially, for example,the Mobil P-51 ester of ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

Engine oil formulations containing renewable esters are included in thisdisclosure. For such formulations, the renewable content of the ester istypically greater than 70 weight percent, preferably more than 80 weightpercent and most preferably more than 90 weight percent. Renewableesters can be preferred in combination with alkoxylated alcohols.

Other useful fluids of lubricating viscosity include non-conventional orunconventional base stocks that have been processed, preferablycatalytically, or synthesized to provide high performance lubricationcharacteristics.

Non-conventional or unconventional base stocks/base oils include one ormore of a mixture of base stock(s) derived from one or moreGas-to-Liquids (GTL) materials, as well as isornerate/isodewaxate basestock(s) derived from natural wax or waxy feeds, mineral and ornon-mineral oil waxy feed stocks such as slack waxes, natural waxes, andwaxy stocks such as gas oils, waxy fuels hydrocracker bottoms, waxyraffinate, hydrocrackate, thermal crackates, or other mineral, mineraloil, or even non-petroleum oil derived waxy materials such as waxymaterials received from coal liquefaction or shale oil, and mixtures ofsuch base stocks.

GTL materials are materials that are derived via one or more synthesis,combination, transformation, rearrangement, and/ordegradation/deconstructive processes from gaseous carbon-containingcompounds, hydrogen-containing compounds and/or elements as feed stockssuch as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water, methane,ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, propyne, butane,butylenes, and butynes. GTL base stocks and/or base oils are GTLmaterials of lubricating viscosity that are generally derived fromhydrocarbons; for example, waxy synthesized hydrocarbons, that arethemselves derived from simpler gaseous carbon-containing compounds,hydrogen-containing compounds and/or elements as feed stocks. GTL basestock(s) and/or base oil(s) include oils boiling in the lube oil boilingrange (1) separated/fractionated from synthesized GTL materials such as,for example, by distillation and subsequently subjected to a final waxprocessing step which involves either or both of a catalytic dewaxingprocess, or a solvent dewaxing process, to produce tube oils ofreduced/low pour point; (2) synthesized wax isomerates, comprising, forexample, hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized cat and/or solvent dewaxedsynthesized wax or waxy hydrocarbons; (3) hydrodewaxed orhydroisomerized cat and/or solvent dewaxed Fischer-Tropsch (F-T)material (i.e., hydrocarbons, waxy hydrocarbons, waxes and possibleanalogous oxygenates); preferably hydrodewaxed orhydroisomerized/followed by cat and/or solvent dewaxing dewaxed F-T waxyhydrocarbons, or hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat (orsolvent) dewaxing dewaxed, F-T waxes, or mixtures thereof.

GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) derived from GTL materials,especially, hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat and/orsolvent dewaxed wax or waxy feed, preferably F-T material derived basestock(s) and/or base oil(s), are characterized typically as havingkinematic viscosities at 100° C. of from 2 mm²/s to 50 mm²/s (ASTMD445). They are further characterized typically as having pour points of−5° C. to −40° C. or lower (ASTM D97). They are also characterizedtypically as having viscosity indices of 80 to 140 or greater (ASTMD2270).

In addition, the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) are typicallyhighly paraffinic (>90% saturates), and may contain mixtures oftnonocycloparaffins and multicycloparaffins in combination withnon-cyclic isoparaffins. The ratio of the naphthenic cycloparaffin)content in such combinations varies with the catalyst and temperatureused. Further, GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) typically have verylow sulfur and nitrogen content, generally containing less than 10 ppm,and more typically less than 5 ppm of each of these elements. The sulfurand nitrogen content of GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) obtainedfrom F-T material, especially F-T wax, is essentially nil. In addition,the absence of phosphorous and aromatics make this materially especiallysuitable for the formulation of low SAP products.

The term GTL base stock and/or base oil and/or wax isomerate base stockand/or base oil is to be understood as embracing individual fractions ofsuch materials of wide viscosity range as recovered in the productionprocess, mixtures of two or more of such fractions, as well as mixturesof one or two or more low viscosity fractions with one, two or morehigher viscosity fractions to produce a blend wherein the blend exhibitsa target kinematic viscosity.

The GTL material, from which the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s)is/are derived is preferably an F-T material (i.e., hydrocarbons, waxyhydrocarbons, wax).

In addition, the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) are typicallyhighly paraffinic (>90% saturates), and may contain mixtures ofmonocycloparaffins and multicycloparaffins in combination withnon-cyclic isoparaffins. The ratio of the naphthenic (i.e.,cycloparaffin) content in such combinations varies with the catalyst andtemperature used. Further, GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) andhydrodewaxed, or hyroisomerized/cat (and/or solvent) dewaxed basestock(s) and/or base oil(s) typically have very low sulfur and nitrogencontent, generally containing less than 10 ppm, and more typically lessthan 5 ppm of each of these elements. The sulfur and nitrogen content ofGTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) obtained from F-T material,especially F-T wax, is essentially nil. In addition, the absence ofphosphorous and aromatics make this material especially suitable for theformulation of low sulfur, sulfated ash, and phosphorus (low SAP)products.

Base oils for use in the formulated lubricating oils useful in thepresent disclosure are any of the variety of oils corresponding to APIGroup I, Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V oils and mixturesthereof, preferably API Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V oilsand mixtures thereof, more preferably the Group III to Group V base oilsdue to their exceptional volatility, stability, viscometric andcleanliness features. Minor quantities of Group I stock, such as theamount used to dilute additives for blending into formulated lube oilproducts, can be tolerated but should be kept to a minimum, i.e. amountsonly associated with their use as diluent/carrier oil for additives usedon an “as-received” basis. Even in regard to the Group II stocks, it ispreferred that the Group II stock be in the higher quality rangeassociated with that stock, i.e. a Group II stock having a viscosityindex in the range 100<VI<120.

The base oil constitutes the major component of the engine oil lubricantcomposition of the present disclosure and typically is present in anamount ranging from 50 to 99 weight percent, preferably from 70 to 95weight percent, and more preferably from 85 to 95 weight percent, basedon the total weight of the composition. The base oil may be selectedfrom any of the synthetic or natural oils typically used as crankcaselubricating oils for spark-ignited and compression-ignited engines. Thebase oil conveniently has a kinematic viscosity, according to ASTMstandards, of 2.5 cSt to 12 cSt (or mm² /s) at 100° C. and preferably of2.5 cSt to 9 cSt (or mm²/s) at 100° C. Mixtures of synthetic and naturalbase oils may be used if desired. Bi-modal mixtures of Group I, II, III,IV, and/or V base stocks may be used if desired.

Alkoxylated Alcohols

The alkoxylated alcohol additive useful in the lubricating oils of thisdisclosure is important for improving fuel efficiency, while maintainingor improving high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control, in anengine lubricated with the lubricating oil.

In an embodiment, an alkoxylated alcohol useful in this disclosure canbe represented by the formula

R¹—[O—(CH₂)_(x)]_(y)—OH  (1)

wherein R¹ is a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, x isan integer from 1 to 10, and y is an integer from 1 to 10. In formula(1) above, it is understood that the R¹ group can be a mixture ofhydrocarbon groups, for example, some portion alkyl and some portionaryl.

R¹ in formula (1) is a hydrocarbyl group, preferably a straight chain orbranched chain alkyl, alkenyl, or alkylaryl group, and more preferably alinear group. In particular, an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 20carbon atoms is preferable, an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 20carbon atoms is more preferable, and a lauryl or oleyl group is the mostpreferable. Stearyl or similar groups can also be preferable. Thesehydrocarbon groups can be pure or mixtures. Commercially, lauryl andoleyl groups are mixtures (i.e., mixtures of different isomers orslightly different chain lengths).

The integer x ranges from 1 to 10, in other words, an alkylene group,preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g., anethylene, propylene, or butylene group or mixtures. An addition reactionof alkylene oxide may be homopolymerization, or random or blockcopolymerization. As a the compound having a larger x decreases thesolubility to oil and thermal stability, x is preferably 1 to 5, andmore preferably 2 to 4.

The integer y ranges from 1 to 10, in other words, the compound may be amonoalkoxylated alcohol or polyalkoxylated alcohol. As the compoundhaving a larger y decreases the solubility to oil and thermal stability,y is preferably 1 to 5, and more preferably 2 to 4.

illustrative alkoxylated alcohols of formula (1) useful in thisdisclosure include, for example, stearyl alcohol ethoxylate, laurylalcohol ethoxylate, oleyl alcohol ethoxylate, stearyl alcoholpropoxylate, lauryl alcohol propoxylate, oleyl alcohol propoxylate,stearyl alcohol butoxylate, octyl alcohol butoxylate, myristyl alcoholethoxypropoxylate, stearyl alcohol ethoxypropoxylate, lauryl alcoholethoxypropoxylate, or mixtures of the above, and the like.

In another embodiment, an alkoxylated alcohol useful in this disclosurecan be represented by the formula

R²O—(R³—O—)_(z)H  (2)

wherein R² is a hydrocarbon group having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, R³is an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and z is aninteger from 1 to 10.

The alkoxylated alcohols represented by formula (2) are(poly)oxyalkyleneglycol ethers. R² in formula (2) is a hydrocarbylgroup, preferably a straight chain or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl, oralkylalyl group, and more preferably a linear group. In particular, analkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is preferable, analkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 20 carbon atoms is more preferable,and a lauryl or oleyl group is the most preferable.

R³ is an alkylene group, preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 4carbon atoms, e.g., an ethylene, propylene, or butylene group. The(R³—O—)_(z) portion is obtained by adding ethylene oxide, propyleneoxide, butylene oxide or the like. An addition reaction of alkyleneoxide may be homopolymerization, or random or block copolymerization.

Further, z ranges from 1 to 10, in other words, the compound may be amonooxyalkyleneglycol ether or polyoxyalkyleneglycol ether. As thecompound having a larger z decreases the solubility to oil and thermalstability, z is preferably 1 to 5, and more preferably 2 to 4.

Illustrative alkyl groups include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl,tert-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl,dodecyl, tridecyl, isotridecyl, myristyl, stearyl, eicosyl, docosyl,tetracosyl, triacontyl, 2-octyldodecyl, 2-dodecylhexadecyl,2-tetradecyloctadecyl, monomethyl-branched isostearyl groups, and thelike.

Illustrative alkenyl groups include, for example, vinyl, allyl,propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, pentenyl, isopentenyl,hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl,tetradecenyl, oleyl groups, and the like.

Illustrative alkylaryl groups include, for example, phenyl, tolyl,xylyl, cumenyl, mesityl, benzyl, penethyl, styryl, cinnamyl, benzhydryl,trityl, propylphenyl, butylphenyl, pentylphenyl, hexylphenyl,heptylphenyl, octylphenyl, nonylphenyl, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl groups,and the like.

Illustrative cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups include, for example,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclobutyl, methylcyclopentyl,methylcyclohexyl, methylcycloheptyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl,cycloheptenyl, methylcyclopentenyl, methylcyclohexenyl,methylcycloheptenyl, and the like.

Illustrative alkoxylated alcohols of formula (2) useful in thisdisclosure include, for example, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether,polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether,polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, polyoxypropylene lauryl ether,polyoxypropylene oleyl ether, polyoxybutylene stearyl ether,polyoxybutylene octyl ether, poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) myristylether, poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) stearyl ether,poly(oxyethytene)(oxypropylene) lauryl ether, and the like.

When a base oil for lubricating oil is used in the lubricatingcomposition according to the present disclosure, the alkoxylated alcoholmay be used alone or as a mixture of alkoxylated alcohols. Although thecontent of the alkoxylated alcohol is not limited, it is preferably 0.01to 5 wt %, and more preferably 0.1 to 1 wt % of the base oil forlubricating oil.

Other Additives

The formulated lubricating oil useful in the present disclosure may isadditionally contain one or more of the other commonly used lubricatingoil performance additives including but not limited to antiwear agents,dispersants, other detergents, corrosion inhibitors, rust inhibitors,metal deactivators, extreme pressure additives, anti-seizure agents, waxmodifiers, viscosity index improvers, viscosity modifiers, fluid-lossadditives, seal compatibility agents, friction modifiers, lubricityagents, anti-staining agents, chromophoric agents, defoamants,demulsifiers, emulsifiers, densifiers, wetting agents, gelling agents,tackiness agents, colorants, and others. For a review of many commonlyused additives, see Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, VerlagChemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; ISBN 0-89573-177-0. Reference is alsomade to “Lubricant Additives” by M. W. Ranney, published by Noyes DataCorporation of Parkridge, N.J. (1973); see also U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,930,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The types and quantities of performance additives used in combinationwith the instant disclosure in lubricant compositions are not limited bythe examples shown herein as illustrations.

Antiwear Additive

A metal alkylthiophosphate and more particularly a metal dialkyl dithiophosphate in which the metal constituent is zinc, or zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is a useful component of the lubricating oils of thisdisclosure. ZDDP can be derived from (primary alcohols, secondaryalcohols or mixtures thereof. ZDDP compounds generally are of theformula Zn[SP(S)(OR¹)(OR²)]₂ where R¹ and R² are C₁-C₁₈ alkyl groups,preferably C₂-C₁₂ alkyl groups. These alkyl groups may be straight chainor branched. Alkyl aryl groups may also be used.

Preferable zinc dithiophosphates which are commercially availableinclude secondary zinc dithiophosphates such as those available from forexample, The Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designations “LZ677A”, “LZ 1095” and “LZ 1371”, from for example Chevron Oronite underthe trade designation “OLOA 262” and from for example Afton Chemicalunder the trade designation “HITEC 7169”.

The ZDDP is typically used in amounts of from 0.4 weight percent to 1.2weight percent, preferably from 0.5 weight percent to 1.0 weightpercent, and more preferably from 0.6 weight percent to 0.8 weightpercent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil, although moreor less can often be used advantageously. Preferably, the ZDDP is asecondary ZDDP and present in an amount of from 0.6 to 1.0 weightpercent of the total weight of the lubricating oil.

Low phosphorus engine oil formulations are included in this disclosure.For such formulations, the phosphorus content is typically less than0.12 weight percent preferably less than 0.10 weight percent and mostpreferably less than 0.085 weight percent. Low phosphorus can bepreferred in combination with alkoxylated alcohols.

Viscosity Index Improvers

Viscosity index improvers (also known as VI improvers, viscositymodifiers, and viscosity improvers) can be included in the lubricantcompositions of this disclosure.

Viscosity index improvers provide lubricants with high and lowtemperature operability. These additives impart shear stability atelevated temperatures and acceptable viscosity at low temperatures.

Suitable viscosity index improvers include high molecular weighthydrocarbons, polyesters and viscosity index improver dispersants thatfunction as both a viscosity index improver and a dispersant. Typicalmolecular weights of these polymers are between 10,000 to 1,500,000,more typically 20,000 to 1,200,000, and even more typically between50,000 and 1,000,000.

Examples of suitable viscosity index improvers are linear or star-shapedpolymers and copolymers of methacrylate, butadiene, olefins, oralkylated styrenes. Polyisobutylene is a commonly used viscosity indeximprover. Another suitable viscosity index improver is polymethaerylate(copolymers of various chain length alkyl methacrylates, for example),some formulations of which also serve as pour point depressants. Othersuitable viscosity index improvers include copolymers of ethylene andpropylene, hydrogenated block copolymers of styrene and isoprene, andpolyacrylates (copolymers of various chain length acrylates, forexample). Specific examples include styrene-isoprene orstyrene-butadiene based polymers of 50,000 to 200,000 molecular weight.

Olefin copolymers, are commercially available from Chevron OroniteCompany LLC under the trade designation “PARATONE®” (such as “PARATONE®8921” and “PARATONE® 8941”); from Afton Chemical Corporation under thetrade designation “HiTEC®” (such as “HiTEC® 5850B”; and from TheLubrizol Corporation under the trade designation “Lubrizol® 7067C”.Polyisoprene polymers are commercially available from InfineumInternational Limited, e.g. under the trade designation “SV200”;diene-styrene copolymers are commercially available from InfineumInternational Limited, e.g. under the trade designation “SV 260”.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, the viscosity index improvers maybe used in an amount of less than 2.0 weight percent, preferably lessthan 1.0 weight percent, and more preferably less than 0.5 weightpercent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil or lubricatingengine oil.

In another embodiment of this disclosure, the viscosity index improversmay be used in an amount of from 0.25 to 2.0 weight percent, preferably0.15 to 1.0 weight percent, and more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 weightpercent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil or lubricatingengine oil.

Detergents

Illustrative detergents useful in this disclosure include, for example,alkali metal detergents, alkaline earth metal detergents, or mixtures ofone or more alkali metal in detergents and one or more alkaline earthmetal detergents. A typical detergent is an anionic material thatcontains a long chain hydrophobic portion of the molecule and a smalleranionic or oleophobic hydrophilic portion of the molecule. The anionicportion of the detergent is typically derived from an organic acid suchas a sulfur acid, carboxylic acid, phosphorous acid, phenol, or mixturesthereof. The counterion is typically an alkaline earth or alkali metal.

Salts that contain a substantially stochiometric amount of the metal aredescribed as neutral salts and have a total base number (TBN, asmeasured by ASTM D2896) of from 0 to 80. Many compositions areoverbased, containing large amounts of a metal base that is achieved byreacting an excess of a metal compound (a metal hydroxide or oxide, forexample) with an acidic gas (such as carbon dioxide). Useful detergentscan be neutral, mildly overbased, or highly overbased.

Alkaline earth phenates are another useful class of detergent. Thesedetergents can be made by reacting alkaline earth metal hydroxide oroxide (CaO, Ca(OH)₇, BaO, Ba(OH)₂, MgO, Mg(OH)₂, for example) with analkyl phenol or sulfurized alkylphenol. Useful alkyl groups includestraight chain or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkyl groups, preferably, C₄-C₂₀ ormixtures thereof. Examples of suitable phenols include isobutylphenol,2-ethylhexylphenol, nonylphenol, dodecyl phenol, and the like. It shouldbe noted that starting alkylphenols may contain more than one alkylsubstituent that are each independently straight chain or branched andcan be used from 0.5 to 6 weight percent. When a non-sulfurizedalkylphenol is used, the sulfurized product may be obtained by methodswell known in the art. These methods include heating a mixture ofalkylphenol and sulfurizing agent (including elemental sulfur, sulfurhalides such as sulfur dichloride, and the like) and then reacting thesulfurized phenol with an alkaline earth metal base.

Metal salts of carboxylic acids are also useful as detergents. Thesecarboxylic acid detergents may be prepared by reacting a basic metalcompound with at least one carboxylic acid and removing free water fromthe reaction product. These compounds may be overbased to produce thedesired TBN level. Detergents made from salicylic acid are one preferredclass of detergents derived from carboxylic acids. Useful salicylatesinclude long chain alkyl salicylates. One useful family of compositionsis of the formula

where R is an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, n is an integerfrom 1 to 4, and M is an alkaline earth metal, Preferred R groups arealkyl chains of at least C₁₁, preferably C₁₃ or greater. R may beoptionally substituted with substituents that do not interfere with thedetergent's function. M is preferably, calcium, magnesium, or barium.More preferably, M is calcium.

Hydrocarbyl-substituted salicylic acids may be prepared from phenols bythe Kolbe reaction (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,791). The metal salts of thehydrocarbyl-substituted salicylic acids may be prepared by doubledecomposition of a metal salt in a polar solvent such as water oralcohol.

Alkaline earth metal phosphates are also used as detergents and areknown in the art.

Detergents may be simple detergents or what is known as hybrid orcomplex detergents. The latter detergents can provide the properties oftwo detergents without the need to blend separate materials. See U.S.Pat. No. 6,034,039.

Preferred detergents include calcium phenates, calcium sulfonates,calcium salicylates, magnesium phenates, magnesium sulfonates, magnesiumsalicylates and other related components (including borated detergents),and mixtures thereof. Preferred detergents include magnesium sulfonateand calcium salicylate.

The detergent concentration in the lubricating oils of this disclosurecan range from 1.0 to 6.0 weight percent, preferably 2.0 to 5.0 weightpercent, and more preferably from 2.0 weight percent to 4.0 weightpercent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.

As used herein, the detergent concentrations are given on an “asdelivered” basis. Typically, the active detergent is delivered with aprocess oil. The “as delivered” detergent typically contains from 20weight percent to 80 weight percent, or from 40 is weight percent to 60weight percent, of active detergent in the “as delivered” detergentproduct.

Dispersants

During engine operation, oil-insoluble oxidation byproducts areproduced. Dispersants help keep these byproducts in solution, thusdiminishing their deposition on metal surfaces. Dispersants used in theformulation of the lubricating oil may be ashless or ash-forming innature. Preferably, the dispersant is ashless. So called ashlessdispersants are organic materials that form substantially no ash uponcombustion. For example, non-metal-containing or borated metal-freedispersants are considered ashless. In contrast, metal-containingdetergents discussed above form ash upon combustion.

Suitable dispersants typically contain a polar group attached to arelatively high molecular weight hydrocarbon chain. The polar grouptypically contains at least one element of nitrogen, oxygen, orphosphorus. Typical hydrocarbon chains contain 50 to 400 carbon atoms.

Chemically, many dispersants may be characterized as phenates,sulfonates, sulfurized phenates, salicylates, naphthenates, stearates,carbamates, thiocarbamates, phosphorus derivatives. A particularlyuseful class of dispersants are the alkenylsuccinic derivatives,typically produced by the reaction of a long chain hydrocarbylsubstituted succinic compound, usually a hydrocarbyl substitutedsuccinic anhydride, with a polydroxyl or polyamino compound. The longchain hydrocarbyl group constituting the oleophilic portion of themolecule which confers solubility in the oil, is normally apolyisobutylene group. Many examples of this type of dispersant are wellknown commercially and in the literature. Exemplary U.S. patentsdescribing such dispersants are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,172,892; 3,215,707;3,219,666; 3,316,177; 3,341,542; 3,444,170; 3,454,607; 3,541,012;3,630,904; 3,632,511; 3,787,374 and 4,234,435. Other types of dispersantare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,003; 3,200,107; 3,254,025;3,275,554; 3,438,757; 3,454,555; 3,565,804; 3,413,347; 3,697,574;3,725,277; 3,725,480; 3,726,882; 4,454,059; 3,329,658; 3,449,250;3,519,565; 3,666,730; 3,687,849; 3,702,300; 4,100,082; 5,705,458. Afurther description of dispersants may be found, for example, inEuropean Patent Application No. 471 071, to which reference is made forthis purpose.

Hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic acid and hydrocarbyl-substitutedsuccinic anhydride derivatives are useful dispersants. In particular,succinimide, succinate esters, or succinate ester amides prepared by thereaction of a hydrocarbon-substituted succinic acid compound preferablyhaving at least 50 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon substituent, with atleast one equivalent of an alkylene amine are particularly useful.

Succinimides are formed by the condensation reaction between hydrocarbylsubstituted succinic anhydrides and amines. Molar ratios can varydepending on the polyamine. For example, the molar ratio of hydrocarbylsubstituted succinic anhydride to TEPA can vary from 1:1 to 5:1.Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,087,936;3,172,892; 3,219,666; 3,272,746; 3,322,670; and 3,652,616, 3,948,800;and Canada Patent No. 1,094,044.

Succinate esters are formed by the condensation reaction betweenhydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and alcohols or polyols.Molar ratios can vary depending on the alcohol or polyol used. Forexample, the condensation product of a hydrocarbyl substituted succinicanhydride and pentaerythritol is a useful dispersant.

Succinate ester amides are formed by condensation reaction betweenhydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and alkanol amines. Forexample, suitable alkanol amines include ethoxylatedpolyalkylpolyamines, propoxylated polyalkylpolyamines andpolyalkenylpolyamines such as polyethylene polyamines. One example ispropoxylated hexamethylenediamine. Representative examples are shown inU.S. Pat. No. 4,426,305.

The molecular weight of the hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydridesused in the preceding paragraphs will typically range between 800 and2,500 or more. The above products can be post-reacted with variousreagents such as sulfur, oxygen, formaldehyde, carboxylic acids such asoleic acid. The above products can also be post reacted with boroncompounds such as boric acid, borate esters or highly borateddispersants, to form borated dispersants generally having from 0.1 to 5moles of boron per mole of dispersant reaction product.

Mannich base dispersants are made from the reaction of alkylphenols,formaldehyde, and amines. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,551, which isincorporated herein by reference. Process aids and catalysts, such asoleic acid and sulfonic acids, can also be part of the reaction mixture.Molecular weights of the alkylphenols range from 800 to 2,500.Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,697,574;3,703,536; 3,704,308; 3,751,365; 3,756,953; 3,798,165; and 3,803,039.

Typical high molecular weight aliphatic acid modified Mannichcondensation products useful in this disclosure can be prepared fromhigh molecular weight alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatics or NH®₂group-containing reactants.

Hydrocarbyl substituted amine ashless dispersant additives are wellknown to one skilled in the art; see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.3,275,554; 3,438,757; 3,565,804; 3,755,433, 3,822,209, and 5,084,197.

Preferred dispersants include borated and non-borated succinimides,including those derivatives from mono-succinimides, bis-succinimides,and/or mixtures of mono- and bis-succinimides, wherein the hydrocarbylsuccinimide is derived from a hydrocarbylene group such aspolyisobutylene having a Mn of from 500 to 5000 or a mixture of suchhydrocarbylene groups, often with high terminal vinylic groups. Otherpreferred dispersants include succinic acid-esters and amides,alkylphenol-polyamine-coupled Mannich adducts, their capped derivatives,and other related components. Such additives may be used in an amount of0.1 to 20 weight percent, preferably 0.5 to 8 weight percent.

As used herein, the dispersant concentrations are given on an “asdelivered” basis. Typically, the active dispersant is delivered with aprocess oil. The “as delivered” dispersant typically contains from 20weight percent to 80 weight percent, or from 40 weight percent to 60weight percent, of active dispersant in the “as delivered” dispersantproduct.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants retard the oxidative degradation of base oils duringservice. Such degradation may result in deposits on metal surfaces, thepresence of sludge, or a viscosity increase in the lubricant. Oneskilled in the art knows a wide variety of oxidation inhibitors that areuseful in lubricating oil compositions. See, Klamann in Lubricants andRelated Products, op cite, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,684 and 5,084,197,for example.

Useful antioxidants include hindered phenols. These phenolicantioxidants may be ashless (metal-free) phenolic compounds or neutralor basic metal salts of certain phenolic compounds. Typical phenolicantioxidant compounds are the hindered phenolics which are the oneswhich contain a sterically hindered hydroxyl group, and these includethose derivatives of dihydroxy aryl compounds in which the hydroxylgroups are in the o- or p-position to each other. Typical phenolicantioxidants include the hindered phenols substituted with C₆+ alkylgroups and the alkylene coupled derivatives of these hindered phenols.Examples of phenolic materials of this type 2-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol;2-t-butyl-4-octyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol;2,6-di-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol;2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; and 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-dodecylphenol. Other useful hindered mono-phenolic antioxidants may include forexample hindered 2,6-di-alkyl-phenolic proprionic ester derivatives.Bis-phenolic antioxidants may also be advantageously used in combinationwith the instant disclosure. Examples of ortho-coupled phenols include:2,2′-bis(4-heptyl-6t-butyl-phenol); 2,2′-bis(4-octyl-6-t-butyl-phenol);and 2,2′-bis(4-dodecyl-6-t-butyl-phenol). Para-coupled bisphenolsinclude for example 4,4′-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl phenol) and4,4′-methytene-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl phenol).

Non-phenolic oxidation inhibitors which may be used include aromaticamine antioxidants and these may be used either as such or incombination with phenolics. Typical examples of non-phenolicantioxidants include: alkylated and non-alkylated aromatic amines suchas aromatic monoamines of the formula R⁸R⁹R¹⁰N where R⁸ is an aliphatic,aromatic or substituted aromatic group, R⁹ is an aromatic or asubstituted aromatic group, and R¹⁰ is H, alkyl, aryl or R¹¹S(O)_(x)R¹²where R¹¹ is an alkylene, alkenylene, or aralkyiene group, R¹² is ahigher alkyl group, or an alkenyl, aryl, or alkaryl group, and x is 0, 1or 2. The aliphatic group R⁸ may contain from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, andpreferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms. The aliphatic group is asaturated aliphatic group. Preferably, both R⁸ and R⁹ are aromatic orsubstituted aromatic groups, and the aromatic group may be a fused ringaromatic group such as naphthyl. Aromatic groups R⁸ and R⁹ may be joinedtogether with other groups such as S.

Typical aromatic amines antioxidants have alkyl substituent groups of atleast 6 carbon atoms. Examples of aliphatic groups include hexyl,heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl. Generally, the aliphatic groups willnot contain more than 14 carbon atoms. The general types of amineantioxidants useful in the present compositions include diphenylamines,phenyl naphthylamines, phenothiazines, imidodibenzyles and diphenylphenylene diamines. Mixtures of two or more aromatic amities are alsouseful. Polymeric amine antioxidants can also be used. Particularexamples of aromatic amine antioxidants useful in the present disclosureinclude: p,p′-dioctyidiphenylamine; t-octylphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine;phenyl-alphanaphthylamine; and p-octylphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine.

Sulfurized alkyl phenols and alkali or alkaline earth metal saltsthereof also are useful antioxidants.

Preferred antioxidants include hindered phenols, arylamines. Theseantioxidants may be used individually by type or in combination with oneanother. Such additives may be used in an amount of 0.01 to 5 weightpercent, preferably 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent, more preferably zero toless than 1.5 weight percent, most preferably zero.

Pour Point Depressants (PPDs)

Conventional pour point depressants (also known as lube oil flowimprovers) may be added to the compositions of the present disclosure ifdesired. These pour point depressant may be added to lubricatingcompositions of the present disclosure to lower the minimum temperatureat which the fluid will flow or can be poured. Examples of suitable pourpoint depressants include polymethacrylates, polyacrylates,polyarylamides, condensation products of haloparaffin waxes and aromaticcompounds, vinyl carboxylate polymers, and terpolymers ofdialkylfumarates, vinyl esters of fatty acids and allyl vinyl ethers.U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,815,022; 2,015,748; 2,191,498; 2,387,501; 2,655,479;2,666,746; 2,721,877; 2,721,878; and 3,250,715 describe useful pourpoint depressants and/or the preparation thereof. Such additives may beused in an amount of 0.01 to 5 weight percent, preferably 0.01 to 11.5weight percent.

Seal Compatibility Agents

Seal compatibility agents help to swell elastomeric seals by causing achemical reaction in the fluid or physical change in the elastomer.Suitable seal compatibility agents for lubricating oils include organicphosphates, aromatic esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters (butylbenzylphthalate, for example), and polybutenyl succinic anhydride. Suchadditives may be used in an amount of 0.01 to 3 weight percent,preferably 0.01 to 2 weight percent.

Antifoam Agents

Anti-foam agents may advantageously be added to lubricant compositions.These agents retard the formation of stable foams. Silicones and organicpolymers are typical anti-foam agents. For example, polysiloxanes, suchas silicon oil or polydimethyl siloxane, provide antifoam properties.Anti-foam agents are commercially available and may be used inconventional minor amounts along with other additives such asdemulsifiers; usually the amount of these additives combined is lessthan 1 weight percent and often less than 0.1 weight percent.

Friction Modifiers

A friction modifier is any material or materials that can alter thecoefficient of friction of a surface lubricated by any lubricant orfluid containing such material(s). Friction modifiers, also known asfriction reducers, or lubricity agents or oiliness agents, and othersuch agents that change the ability of base oils, formulated lubricantcompositions, or functional fluids, to modify the coefficient offriction of a lubricated surface may be effectively used in combinationwith the base oils or lubricant compositions of the present disclosureif desired. Friction modifiers that lower the coefficient of frictionare particularly advantageous in combination with the base oils and tubecompositions of this disclosure. Friction modifiers may includemetal-containing compounds or materials as well as ashless compounds ormaterials, or mixtures thereof. Metal-containing friction modifiers mayinclude metal salts or metalligand complexes where the metals mayinclude alkali, alkaline earth, or transition group metals. Suchmetal-containing friction modifiers may also have low-ashcharacteristics. Transition metals may include Mo, Sb, Sn, Fe, Cu, Zn,and others. Ligands may include hydrocarbyl derivative of alcohols,polyols, glycerols, partial ester glycerols, carboxylates, carbamates,thiocarbamates, dithiocarbamates, phosphates, thiophosphates,dithiophosphates, amides, imides, amines, thiazoles, thiadiazoles,dithiazoles, diazoles, triazoles, and other polar molecular functionalgroups containing effective amounts of O, N, S, or P, individually or incombination. In particular, Mo-containing compounds can be particularlyeffective such as for example Mo-dithiocarbamates, Mo(DTC),Mo-dithiophosphates, Mo(DTP), Mo-amines, Mo (Am), Mo-alcoholates,Mo-alcohol-amides, etc. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,824,627, 6,232,276,6,153,564, 6,143,701, 6,110,878, 5,837,657, 6,010,987, 5,906,968,6,734,150, 6,730,638, 6,689,725, 6,569,820; WO 99/66013; WO 99/47629;and WO 98/26030.

Ashless friction modifiers may also include lubricant materials thatcontain effective amounts of polar groups, for example,hydroxyl-containing hydrocarbyl base oils, glycerides, partialglycerides, glyceride derivatives, and the like. Polar groups infriction modifiers may include hydrocarbyl groups containing effectiveamounts of O, N, S, or P, individually or in combination. Other frictionmodifiers that may be particularly effective include, for example, salts(both ash-containing and ashless derivatives) of fatty is acids, fattyalcohols, fatty amides, fatty esters, hydroxyl-containing carboxylates,and comparable synthetic long-chain hydrocarbyl acids, alcohols, amides,esters, carboxylates, and the like. In some instances fatty organicacids, fatty amines, and sulfurized fatty acids may be used as suitablefriction modifiers.

Useful concentrations of friction modifiers may range from 0.01 weightpercent to 10-15 weight percent or more, often with a preferred range of0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent. Concentrations ofmolybdenum-containing materials are often described in terms of Mo metalconcentration. Advantageous concentrations of Mo may range from 10 ppmto 3000 ppm or more, and often with a preferred range of 20-2000 ppm,and in some instances a more preferred range of 30-1000 ppm. Frictionmodifiers of all types may be used alone or in mixtures with thematerials of this disclosure. Often mixtures of two or more frictionmodifiers, or mixtures of friction modifier(s) with alternate surfaceactive material(s), are also desirable.

Antirust additives (or corrosion inhibitors) are additives that protectlubricated metal surfaces against chemical attack by water or othercontaminants. A wide variety of these are commercially available.

One type of antirust additive is a polar compound that wets the metalsurface preferentially, protecting it with a film of oil. Another typeof antirust additive absorbs water by incorporating it in a water-in-oilemulsion so that only the oil touches the metal surface. Yet anothertype of antirust additive chemically adheres to the metal to produce anon-reactive surface. Examples of suitable additives include zincdithiophosphates, metal phenolates, basic metal sulfonates, fatty acidsand amines. Such additives may be used in an amount of 0.01 to 5 weightpercent, preferably 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent.

When lubricating oil compositions contain one or more of the additivesdiscussed above, the additive(s) are blended into the composition in anamount sufficient for it to perform its intended function. Typicalamounts of such additives useful in the present disclosure are shown inTable I below.

It is noted that many of the additives are shipped from the additivemanufacturer as a concentrate, containing one or more additivestogether, with a certain amount of base oil diluents. Accordingly, theweight amounts in the table below, as well as other amounts mentionedherein, are directed to the amount of active ingredient (that is thenon-diluent portion of the ingredient). The weight percent (wt %)indicated below is based on the total weight of the lubricating oilcomposition.

TABLE 1 Typical Amounts of Other Lubricating Oil Components ApproximateApproximate Compound wt % (Useful) wt % (Preferred) Dispersant  0.1-200.1-8 Detergent  0.1-20 0.1-8 Friction Modifier 0.01-5   0.01-1.5Antioxidant 0.1-5   0.1-1.5 Pour Point Depressant 0.0-5  0.01-1.5 (PPD)Anti-foam Agent 0.001-3   0.001-0.15 Viscosity Index Improver 0.1-20.1-1 (solid polymer basis) Anti-wear   0.4-1.2 0.5-1 Inhibitor andAntirust 0.01-5   0.01-1.5

The foregoing additives are all commercially available materials. Theseadditives may be added independently but are usually precombined inpackages which can be Obtained from suppliers of lubricant oiladditives. Additive packages with a variety of ingredients, proportionsand characteristics are available and selection of the appropriatepackage will take the requisite use of the ultimate composition intoaccount.

The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate thedisclosure.

EXAMPLES

PCMO (passenger car motor oil) formulations were prepared. FIG. 1provides formulation details in weight percent based on the total weightpercent of the formulation. The alkoxylated alcohol used in each of theformulations in FIG. 1 was a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether. The Group IIIbase stock used in each of the formulations in FIG. 1 was Yubase™ 4Plus. The Group IV base stock used in each of the formulations in FIG. 1was a mixture of PAO 4 and PAO 6. The Group V base stock used in each ofthe formulations in FIG. 1 was ExxonMobil Chemical MCP 2481. Theviscosity modifier used in each of the formulations in FIG. 1 wasLubrizol VL1151J. The additive package used in each of the formulationsin FIG. 1 included the following: detergents, dispersants, antioxidants,antiwear additives, defoamant, ashless friction modifier, MoDTC, and apour point depressant. All of the ingredients are commerciallyavailable.

Bench and engine testing was conducted for each of the formulationslisted in FIG. 1. The testing results are set forth in FIG. 2. The benchtesting in FIG. 2 included the following: kinematic viscosity (KV) at100° C. measured by ASTM D445; high temperature high shear (HTHS)viscosity at 150° C. measured by ASTM D4683; and cold cranking simulator(CCS) at −35° C. measured by ASTM D5273. The engine testing in FIG. 2included the following: Sequence IIIG (kinematic viscosity increase at40° C., %) measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (average weightedpiston deposits, merits) measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (averagecam and lifter wear, μm) measured by ASTM D7320; oil consumption (L)measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence VID FEI 1 (Fuel Economy Improvement 1)measured by ASTM D7589; Sequence VID FEI 2 (Fuel Economy Improvement 2)measured by ASTM D7589; and Sequence VID FEI SUM (Fuel EconomyImprovement SUM) measured by ASTM D7589.

In FIG. 2, a comparison of the Reference 1 formulation and Example 3formulation shows that addition of alkoxylated alcohol delivers improvedhigh temperature deposit control while maintaining good wear protectionas measured by the Sequence IIIG test. Moreover, using the Sequence VIDtest as a measure of fuel economy, a comparison of the Reference 2formulation and Example 3 formulation shows that addition of alkoxylatedalcohol also significantly improves fuel economy. The fuel economybenefit was observed with the Example 3 formulation having thealkoxylated alcohol even though this formulation was a heavier viscositygrade (5 W-20) than the Reference 2 formulation (0 W-20).

MTM (mini-traction machine) data for the formulation of Example 3 asshown in FIG. 3 indicates a high level of alkoxylated alcohol activityat low temperature (<100° C.) as compared to the formulation ofReference 1. At a temperature of 50° C., the presence of the alkoxylatedalcohol maintains a low coefficient of friction over many test cycles.In contrast, the formulation without the alkoxylated alcohol(Reference 1) exhibits an increase in friction as the number of testcycles increases. Additionally, FIG. 4 indicates alkoxylated alcoholactivity even at higher temperature suggesting preferential adsorptionof the alkoxylated alcohol onto the steel surface. At 100° C., thepresence of the alkoxylated alcohol significantly reduced friction overa broad range of sliding speed (1000 mm/s to 10 mm/s).

PCMO (passenger car motor oil) formulations were prepared. FIG. 5provides formulation details in weight percent based on the total weightpercent of the formulation. The alkoxylated alcohol used in formulation6 in FIG. 5 was a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether. The styrene-isopreneblock copolymers used in each of the formulations in FIG. 5 wasInfineum™ SV140, The Group II base stock used in each of theformulations in FIG. 5 was Exxon Mobil EHC 45. The Group IV base stockused in each of the formulations in FIG. 5 was a mixture of PAO 4 andPAO 6. The C₈/C₁₀ trimethylolpropane (TMP) used in each of theformulations in FIG. 5 was ExxonMobil Chemical MCP 166. The additivepackage used in each of the formulations in FIG. 5 included thefollowing: detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, antiwear additives,defoamant, ashless friction modifier, MoDTC, and a pour pointdepressant. All of the ingredients are commercially available.

The engine testing in FIG. 5 included the following: Sequence IIIG(kinematic viscosity increase at 40° C., %) measured by ASTM D7320;Sequence IIIG (average weighted piston deposits, merits) measured byASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (hot stuck rings) measured by ASTM D7320,Sequence IIIG (average cam and lifter wear, μm) measured by ASTM D7320;Sequence IIIG (oil ring land deposit, merits) measured by ASTM D7320;Sequence IIIG (undercrown, merits) measured by ASTM D7320, Sequence IIIG(Groove 1) measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (Groove 2) measured byASTM 1)7320; Sequence IIIG (Groove 3) measured by ASTM D7320; SequenceIIIG (Land 2) measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (oil consumption, L)measured by ASTM D7320; and Sequence IIIG (phosphorus retention, %) asmeasured by ASTM D7320.

As shown in FIG. 5, the addition of 5% of the alkoxylated alcoholprovided benefits in overall piston cleanliness (weighted pistondeposits) with clear benefits observed in the following regions of thepiston: oil ring land (ORLD), groove 2, and land 2.In addition, thealkoxylated alcohol surprisingly reduced wear by 45% which is expectedto significantly improve vehicle durability. Also, the addition of thealkoxylated alcohol unexpectedly improved phosphorus retention which isexpected to result in less phosphorus poisoning catalytic converters andresult in improved emissions control.

Additional PCMO (passenger car motor oil) formulations were prepared.FIG. 6 provides formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation. The Group V base stock used in eachof the formulations in FIG. 6 was ExxonMobil Chemical MCP 2481. TheGroup IIIA base stock used in reference formulation 5 and formulations 7and 8 in FIG. 6 was Visom 4. The Group IIIB base stock used in referenceformulations 1 and 4 in FIG. 6 was Yubase™ 4 Plus. The Group IV basestock used in each of the formulations in FIG. 6 was a mixture of PAO 4and PAO 6. The Detergent 5 used in each of the formulations in FIG. 6was Infineum P5090. The Detergent 6 used in reference formulations 1 and4 in FIG. 6 was Parabar 9340. The Detergent 3 used in formulations 7 and8 in FIG. 6 was Infineum M7102. The Alkoxylated Alcohol FM1 used informulations 7 and 8 in FIG. 6 was a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether. TheOrganic FM2 used in each of the formulations in FIG. 6 was Perfad FM3336. The Organometallic FM3 used in each of the formulations in FIG. 6was MolyVan 855. The Organometallic FM4 used in each of the formulationsin FIG. 6 was Infineum C9455. The additive package used in each of theformulations in FIG. 6 included the following: detergents, dispersants,antioxidants, antiwear additives, defoamant, ashless friction modifier,MoDTC, and a pour point depressant. Dispersants can include borated andnon-borated molecules derived from high terminal vinylic polyisobutyleneof molecular weight greater than 2500 which are reacted with maleicanhydride and the like, such as C9280. All of the ingredients arecommercially available.

Bench and engine testing was conducted for each of the formulationslisted in FIG. 6. The testing results are set forth in FIG. 6. Theengine testing in FIG. 6 included the following: Sequence IIIG (WPD)measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (viscosity increase, %) measuredby ASTM D7320; Sequence IIIG (wear, microns) measured by ASTM D7320;Sequence IIIG (oil consumption, L) measured by ASTM D7320; Sequence VID(FEI 1) measured by ASTM D7589; Sequence VID (FEI 2) measured by ASTMD7589; and Sequence VID (FEI SUM) measured by ASTM D7589. The benchtesting in FIG. 6 included the following: kinematic viscosity (KV) at100° C. measured by ASTM D445; high temperature high shear (HTFIS)viscosity at 150° C. measured by ASTM D4683; and MTM friction averagemeasured by WI307SF-9.

As shown in FIG. 6, the addition of the alkoxylated alcohol providedgood wear protection as measured by the Sequence IIIG test. Moreover,using the Sequence VID test as a measure of fuel economy, the additionof the alkoxylated alcohol shows significantly improved fuel economy.The data in FIG. 6 shows both improved fuel economy and pistoncleanliness for Example 7 and 8 formulations in comparison to theReference 1, 4 and 5 formulations. As shown in FIG. 6, the addition of0.3 to 1.0% of the alkoxylated alcohol provided benefits in overallpiston cleanliness (weighted piston deposits) with clear benefitsobserved in the following regions of the piston: oil ring land (ORLD),groove 2, and land 2. In addition of the alkoxylated alcoholunexpectedly improved phosphorus retention which is expected to resultin less phosphorus poisoning catalytic converters and result in improvedemissions control.

Additional PCMO (passenger car motor oil) formulations were prepared.FIG. 7 provides formulation details in weight percent based on the totalweight percent of the formulation. The Group V base stock used in eachof the formulations in FIG. 7 was ExxonMobil Chemical MCP 2481. TheGroup III base stock used in each of the formulations in FIG. 7 wasYubase™ 4 Plus. The Group IV base stock used in each of the formulationsin FIG. 7 was a mixture of PAO 4 and PAO 6. The alkoxylated alcohol usedin each of the formulations in FIG. 7 was a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether.The viscosity modifier used in each of the formulations in FIG. 7 wasLubrizol VL1151J. The additive package used in each of the formulationsin FIG. 7 included the following: detergents, dispersants, antioxidants,antiwear additives, defoamant, ashless friction modifier, MoDTC, and apour point depressant. All of the ingredients are commerciallyavailable.

Bench and engine testing was conducted for each of the formulationslisted in FIG. 7. The testing results are set forth in FIG. 7. The benchtesting in FIG. 7 included the following: sulfated ash as measured byASTM D874; total base number (TBN) as measured by ASTM D2896; kinematicviscosity (KV) at 100° C. measured by ASTM D445; high temperature highshear (HTHS) viscosity at 150° C. measured by ASTM D4683; and coldcranking simulator (CCS) at −35° C. measured by ASTM D5273.

As shown in FIG. 7, Example 9 contains a sulfated ash level of 1.8weight percent and a total base number of 15. Example 10 contains asulfated ash level of 0.3 weight percent and a total base number of 4.Low total base number can be preferred in combination with alkoxylatedalcohols. Low sulfated ash can be preferred in combination withalkoxylated alcohols.

The lubricating engine oil formulations in FIG. 8 are combinations ofadditives and base stocks and are anticipated to have a kinematicviscosity at 100° C. around 7 cSt and high temperature high shear (10⁻⁶s⁻¹) viscosity at 150° C. around 2.3 el). The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 300 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22 are anticipated to havea phosphorus level around 700 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 20 and 22 are anticipated to have a sulfatedash level around 0.3 weight percent and a total base number around 4.The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 11-19 and 21 areanticipated to have sulfated ash levels greater than or equal to 1.0weight percent and total base number greater than or equal to 9. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 15 and 17 do not containmolybdenum. The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 16 and18 are anticipated to have a molybdenum level of around 250 ppm. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 11-15 and 19-22 areanticipated to have molybdenum levels of around 90 ppm. All lubricatingengine oil formulations in FIG. 8 that include at least one alkoxylatedalcohol are anticipated to provide improvements in fuel economy withoutsacrificing engine durability (e.g., while maintaining or improving hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control) in an engine lubricatedwith the lubricating oil formulation.

The lubricating engine oil formulations in FIG. 9 are combinations ofadditives and base stocks and are anticipated to have a kinematicviscosity at 100° C. around 6 cSt and high temperature high shear (10⁻⁶s⁻¹) viscosity at 150° C. around 2.0 cP. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, and 32 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 300 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 25, 26, 29, 30, 33, and 34 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 700 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 32 and 34 are anticipated to have a sulfatedash level around 0.3 weight percent and a total base number around 4.The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 23-31 and 33 areanticipated to have sulfated ash levels greater than or equal to 1.0weight percent and total base number greater than or equal to 9. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 27 and 29 do not containmolybdenum. The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 28 and30 are anticipated to have a molybdenum level of around 250 ppm. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 23-27 and 31-34 areanticipated to have molybdenum levels of around 90 ppm. All lubricatingengine oil formulations in FIG. 9 that include at least one alkoxylatedalcohol are anticipated to provide improvements in fuel economy withoutsacrificing engine durability (e.g., while maintaining or improving hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control) in an engine lubricatedwith the lubricating oil formulation.

The lubricating engine oil formulations in FIG. 10 are combinations ofadditives and base stocks and are anticipated to have a kinematicviscosity at 100° C. around 8 cSt and high temperature high shear (10⁻⁶s⁻¹) viscosity at 150° C. around 2.7 cP. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 35, 36, 39, 40, 43, and 44 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 300 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 37, 38, 41, 42, 45, and 46 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 700 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 44 and 46 are anticipated to have a sulfatedash level around 0.3 weight percent and a total base number around 4.The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 35-43 and 45 areanticipated to have sulfated ash levels greater than or equal to 1.0weight percent and total base number greater than or equal to 9. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 39 and 41 do not containmolybdenum. The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 40 and42 are anticipated to have a molybdenum level of around 250 ppm. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 35-39 and 43-46 areanticipated to have molybdenum levels of around 90 ppm. All lubricatingengine oil formulations in FIG. 10 that include at least one alkoxylatedalcohol are anticipated to provide improvements in fuel economy withoutsacrificing engine durability (e.g., while maintaining or improving hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control) in an engine lubricatedwith the lubricating oil formulation.

The lubricating engine oil formulations in FIG. 11 are combinations ofadditives and base stocks and are anticipated to have a kinematicviscosity at 100° C. around 10 cSt and high temperature high shear (10⁻⁶s⁻¹) viscosity at 150° C. around 3.0 cP. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 47, 48, 51, 52, 55, and 56 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 300 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 49, 50, 53, 54, 57, and 58 are anticipated tohave a phosphorus level around 700 ppm. The lubricating engine oilformulations of Examples 56 and 58 are anticipated to have a sulfatedash level around 0.3 weight percent and a total base is number around 4.The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 47-55 and 57 areanticipated to have sulfated ash levels greater than or equal to 1.0weight percent and total base number greater than or equal to 9. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 51 and 53 do not containmolybdenum. The lubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 52 and54 are anticipated to have a molybdenum level of around 250 ppm. Thelubricating engine oil formulations of Examples 47-51 and 55-58 areanticipated to have molybdenum levels of around 90 ppm. All lubricatingengine oil formulations in FIG. 11 that include at least one alkoxylatedalcohol are anticipated to provide improvements in fuel economy withoutsacrificing engine durability (e.g., while maintaining or improving hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control) in an engine lubricatedwith the lubricating oil formulation.

All patents and patent applications, test procedures (such as ASTMmethods, UL methods, and the like), and other documents cited herein arefully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is notinconsistent with this disclosure and for all jurisdictions in whichsuch incorporation is permitted.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listedherein, ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated.While the illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been describedwith particularity, it will be understood that various othermodifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claimsappended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forthherein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all thefeatures of patentable novelty which reside in the present disclosure,including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof bythose to skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

The present disclosure has been described above with reference tonumerous embodiments and specific examples. Many variations will suggestthemselves to those skilled in this art in light of the above detaileddescription. All such obvious variations are within the full intendedscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for improving fuel efficiency, whilemaintaining or improving high temperature wear, deposit and varnishcontrol, in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as thelubricating oil a formulated oil, said formulated oil having acomposition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a majorcomponent; and at least one alkoxylated alcohol, as a minor component;wherein fuel efficiency is improved and high temperature wear, depositand varnish control are maintained or improved as compared to hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control achieved using alubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the atleast one alkoxylated alcohol.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thelubricating oil base stock comprises a Group I, Group II, Group III,Group IV or Group V base oil.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein, incomparison with fuel efficiency achieved using a lubricating engine oilcontaining a minor component other than the at least one alkoxylatedalcohol, the lubricating engine oil containing at least one alkoxylatedalcohol exhibits a fuel efficiency, FEI sum, greater than 1.2×, asdetermined by a Sequence VID Fuel Economy (ASTM D7589) engine test; andwherein, in comparison with high temperature wear, deposit and varnishcontrol achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minorcomponent other than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol, thelubricating engine oil containing at least one alkoxylated alcoholexhibits high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control greater than1.1×, as determined by a Sequence IIIG/IIIGA (ASTM D7320) engine test.4. The method of claim 1 wherein the alkoxylated alcohol is representedby the formulaR¹—[O—(CH₂)_(x)]_(y)—OH wherein R¹ is a hydrocarbon group having from 1to 50 carbon atoms, x is an integer from 1 to 10, and y is an integerfrom 1 to
 10. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the alkoxylated alcoholis selected from stearyl alcohol ethoxylate, lauryl alcohol ethoxylate,oleyl alcohol ethoxylate, stearyl alcohol propoxylate, lauryl alcoholpropoxylate, oleyl alcohol propoxylate, stearyl alcohol butoxylate,octyl alcohol butoxylate, myristyl alcohol ethoxypropoxylate, stearylalcohol ethoxypropoxylate, lauryl alcohol ethoxypropoxylate, andmixtures thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the alkoxylatedalcohol is represented by the formulaR²O—(R³—O—)_(z)H wherein R² is a branched or linear hydrocarbon grouphaving from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, R³ is an alkylene group having from 2to 4 carbon atoms, and z is an integer from 1 to
 10. 7. The method ofclaim 6 wherein the alkoxylated alcohol is selected from polyoxyethylenestearyl ether, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene oleylether, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, polyoxypropylene lauryl ether,polyoxypropylene oleyl ether, polyoxybutylene stearyl ether,polyoxybutylene octyl ether, poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) myristylether, poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) stearyl ether,poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) lauryl ether, and mixtures thereof. 8.The method of claim 1 wherein the oil base stock is present in an amountof from 70 weight percent to 95 weight percent, and the at least onealkoxylated alcohol is present in an amount of from 0.05 weight percentto 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein, in friction measurements of thelubricating oil by mini-traction machine (MTM) in Striheck mode at 50°C. and 100° C., the integrated Stribeck friction coefficient of thelubricating oil in the MTM is reduced as compared to the integratedStribeck friction coefficient of a lubricating oil containing a minorcomponent other than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol.
 10. Themethod of claim 1 wherein phosphorus retention is improved as comparedto phosphorus retention achieved using a lubricating engine oilcontaining a minor component other than the at least one alkoxylatedalcohol.
 11. A lubricating engine oil having a composition comprising alubricating oil base stock as a major component; and at least onealkoxylated alcohol, as a minor component; wherein fuel efficiency isimproved and high temperature wear, deposit and varnish control aremaintained or improved as compared to high temperature wear, deposit andvarnish control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing aminor component other than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol.
 12. Thelubricating engine oil of claim 11 wherein the lubricating oil basestock comprises a Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV or Group V baseoil.
 13. The lubricating engine oil of claim 11 wherein, in comparisonwith fuel efficiency achieved using a lubricating engine oil containinga minor component other than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol, thelubricating engine oil containing at least one alkoxylated alcoholexhibits a fuel efficiency, FEI sum, greater than 1.2×, as determined bya Sequence YID Fuel Economy (ASTM D7589) engine test; and wherein, incomparison with high temperature wear, deposit and varnish controlachieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor componentother than the at least one alkoxylated alcohol, the lubricating engineoil containing at least one alkoxylated alcohol exhibits hightemperature wear, deposit and varnish control greater than 1.1×, asdetermined by a Sequence IIIG/IIIGA (ASTM D7320) engine test.
 14. Thelubricating engine oil of claim 11 wherein the alkoxylated alcohol isrepresented by the formulaR¹—[O—(CH₂)_(x)]_(y)—OH wherein R¹ is a hydrocarbon group having from 1to 50 carbon atoms, x is an integer from 1 to 10, and y is an integerfrom 1 to
 10. 15. The lubricating engine oil of claim 14 wherein thealkoxylated alcohol is selected from stearyl alcohol ethoxylate, laurylalcohol ethoxylate, oleyl alcohol ethoxylate, stearyl alcoholpropoxylate, lauryl alcohol propoxylate, oleyl alcohol propoxylate,stearyl alcohol butoxylate, octyl alcohol butoxylate, myristyl alcoholethoxypropoxylate, stearyl alcohol ethoxypropoxylate, and lauryl alcoholethoxypropoxylate.
 16. The lubricating engine oil of claim 11 whereinthe alkoxylated alcohol is represented by the formulaR²O—(R³—O—)_(z)H wherein R² is a hydrocarbon group having from 12 to 20carbon atoms, R³ is an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms,and z is an integer from 1 to
 10. 17. The lubricating engine oil ofclaim 16 wherein the alkoxylated alcohol is selected frompolyoxyethylene stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether,polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether,polyoxypropylene lauryl ether, polyoxypropylene oleyl ether,polyoxybutylene stearyl ether, polyoxybutylene octyl ether,poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) myristyl ether,poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) stearyl ether, andpoly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) lauryl ether.
 18. The lubricating engineoil of claim 11 wherein the oil base stock is present in an amount offrom 70 weight percent to 95 weight percent, and the at least onealkoxylated alcohol is present in an amount of from 0.05 weight percentto 6 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil.19. The lubricating engine oil of claim 11 wherein the lubricating oilfurther comprises one or more of an anti-wear additive, viscosity indeximprover, antioxidant, detergent, dispersant, pour point depressant,corrosion inhibitor, metal deactivator, seal compatibility additive,anti-foam agent, inhibitor, and anti-rust additive.
 20. The lubricatingengine oil of claim 11 wherein the lubricating oil is a passengervehicle engine oil (PVEO).